The Bemidji Community

Bemidji State University lies among the lakes and forests of north
central Minnesota. Stretching along the west shore of Lake Bemidji,
the campus overlooks remnants of the ancient pine stands that brought
Europeans to log the area a hundred years ago. The rolling landscape
created by the last glaciers is marked today by hundreds of miles of
excellent ski and snowmobile trails, some of which run through Lake
Bemidji State Park. The park and a nearby university forest serve as
outdoor laboratories for courses as well as sources of recreation for
the campus and community. The headwaters of the Mississippi River,
within Lake Itasca State Park, is less than an hour's drive from
campus. As the first city on the Mississippi, Bemidji, and its
surrounding countryside, support an abundance of summer and winter
activities, enriching the community throughout the year.

The Bemidji area is home to a population of more than 30,000 and includes the
Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake Indian Reservations. Students of Ojibwe
heritage add their diversity to the campus culture. Recreational and cultural
activities also reflect Scandinavian, other European, and Canadian influences.
As a regional service center, the City of Bemidji provides a focus for educational,
governmental, business, and medical services.

Bemidji State University is generally involved in this community. A member
of the Joint Economic Development Commission, it encourages continued growth
and development of regional industries. Weekend, evening, extension, online,
and summer classes complement the traditional class schedule and reflect the
institution's commitment to educate and serve a diverse population. University
facilities are available for community use, and area residents are welcomed
at University events, which include theatre, concerts, art exhibits, lectures, powwows,
movies, and athletic events.

In return, Bemidji State students, faculty, and staff participate
fully in the Bemidji community. They contribute to service, social,
cultural, religious, and other activities and find their health,
recreational, and consumer needs satisfied by local
establishments.

Bemidji has an active downtown, malls, and other service and retail areas.
Entertainment and recreational facilities include swimming beaches, ice arenas,
downhill and cross country skiing, a state park, and the Chippewa National Forest.
Located about equal distance between Minneapolis/St. Paul to the south and Winnipeg,
Canada, to the north, Bemidji has easy access by air, motor carrier, and automobile
to metropolitan services and international airports. Internet access is available
through the University and through local private providers.